North Korea state media says Japan overseas aggression is reality, not hypothetical
SEOUL, July 7 (Reuters) – A commentary published by North Korean state media KCNA on Tuesday criticized Japan’s “military expansion”, saying its overseas aggression was “real, not hypothetical” and citing Japan’s plans to develop unmanned submarines capable of carrying out anti-ship attacks.
The commentary stated that the ships could carry torpedoes and naval mines and be deployed close to the coastlines of neighboring countries, allowing pre-emptive strikes to be launched against enemy ships in the event of a conflict.
He accused Tokyo of abandoning its long-held defense-only policy doctrine and transforming its military into a “purely offensive and aggressive force.”
KCNA also noted Japan’s efforts to mass produce domestically developed long-range missiles, pursue a new ballistic missile with a range of up to 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles), deploy upgraded anti-ship missiles and hypersonic glide weapons, and acquire foreign-made missiles, including U.S. Tomahawks.
Japan’s foreign ministry did not respond to phone calls seeking comment.
The comment comes as North Korea increasingly emphasizes its own naval modernization drive.
On Sunday, KCNA reported that leader Kim Jong Un observed the launch of a strategic cruise missile and tests of weapons systems aboard the new 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon.
Kim called for expanding the country’s naval combat capabilities and ordered the ship to be put into service within two months.
North Korea recently commissioned the 5,000-ton destroyer Choe Hyon and outlined plans to build additional warships, including larger 10,000-ton ships.
(Reporting by Kyu-seok Shim; Editing by Tom Hogue and Kevin Buckland)
